Manchester United can take advantage of shock situation to solve major transfer problem

French football was left stunned on Tuesday evening by the bombshell news that seven-time French champions Lyon have been relegated from Ligue 1.

The French giants have been demoted to Ligue 2 after failing to convince authorities they have resolved their financial difficulties.

Lyon were hit with a provisional relegation back in November after racking up massive debts, and although they have since sold a number of first-team players, French football watchdog the DNCG upheld the relegation following meetings on Tuesday.

They have since confirmed they will appeal the verdict, branding it an 'incomprehensible decision'. It means it could still be overturned but if the relegation is upheld, Lyon would be replaced in the top flight by Reims, who lost the relegation play-off to Metz.

Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2025/26 season with an Adidas shirt paying tribute to Old Trafford.

Fans can order their Men's, Women's and Kid's shirt today.

£85

It will have a huge effect on football throughout Europe, with Lyon finishing sixth in Ligue 1 last season and looking set to compete in next season's Europa League.

Lyon, of course, played Manchester United in a memorable Europa League quarter-final last season but they will forfeit the right to compete in the competition next season if the appeal is upheld.

It will have a catastrophic effect on their playing squad, too, with clubs now monitoring their best players in case they are relegated from the French top flight.

United could be one of those clubs prepared to pounce and it could present them with a unique opportunity to solve a big transfer problem for a cut-price fee.

It is no secret United are in the market for a new centre-forward. They courted